What Are Some Good References?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,
  • Recent Bosses. ...
  • Coworkers. ...
  • Professors. ...
  • Friends... But Only if They're a Professional Reference. ...
  • Group Members. ...
  • Any Place You've Volunteered. ...
  • The Person You Babysat for or Whose Lawn You Mowed Every Summer. ...
  • High School Teacher or Coach.

How do I choose a good reference?

  1. Think carefully before selecting a reference. When choosing your references, think about the type of reference you're looking for. ...
  2. Ask for his or her permission. ...
  3. Collect important details about the reference. ...
  4. Coach your references. ...
  5. Keep references informed during your job search.

What is considered a good reference?

Good examples of professional references include: College professors, coaches or other advisors (especially if you're a recent college graduate or don't have a lengthy work history) Former employer (the person who hired and paid you)

What are the 3 references?

  • Employment references include , co-workers, subordinates, or clients. ...
  • Professional references are people who know you on a professional basis. ...
  • Academic references are instructors and vocational counselors.

What are good references examples?

  • Former Employer as a professional reference. A previous employer can provide the best insight into your work ethic. ...
  • Colleague. ...
  • Teacher. ...
  • Advisor. ...
  • Supervisor.

What can you say in a reference?

  • answers to questions from the employer requesting the reference.
  • details about your skills, ability and experience.
  • details about your character, strengths and weaknesses relating to your suitability for the new role.
  • how often you were off work.

Can I use a friend as a reference?

Friends... But Only if They're a Professional Reference

Most of the time, it's best to leave your friends off your list of references. However, there are two occasions when using a friend as your reference can be acceptable: They' re currently employed at the business to which you're applying. They were your supervisor.

How many references should you list?

Ideally, a typical job seeker should have three to five references on their reference list. Those seeking more senior level positions should consider listing five to seven references. It's better to have more references than you need.

Do they really call your references?

Essentially, yes . While it's true that not 100% of Human Resources (HR) departments will call your references during pre-employment screening, many do. ... The references you provide to employers may be contacted about your employment history, qualifications, and the skills that qualify you for the job.

Who makes a good job reference?

Ideally, your list should include a mixture of former and current bosses, coworkers, and subordinates. “The best references are from people who have worked closely with you ,” says Fernández-Aráoz. Never ask someone to be a reference if you don't know for certain what he or she is going to say, adds Claman.

What if I have no references?

If you do not have any professional references, offer to provide twice as many personal references if you can . A personal reference can be from someone who knows you, but has never worked with you in a professional environment. For example, they could be a friend, a classmate, a teammate, a coach, a teacher, etc.

Do employers call all three references?

Most employers will call your references only if you are the final candidate or one of the final two. Occasionally the final three or four . Every now and then an employer will check all the people they interview, although to me that's inconsiderate of the reference.

What do professional references ask?

  • When did (name) work for your company? Could you confirm starting and ending employment dates? ...
  • What was her/his position? ...
  • Could I briefly review (name's) resume? ...
  • Why did (name) leave the company?
  • What was her/his starting and ending salary?

Who gives a reference?

Referee . The person providing a reference is called a referee. An employment reference letter is usually written by a former employer or manager, but references can also be requested from co-workers, customers and vendors.

What do employers look for in references?

The standard questions you should expect to ask your references include: “ Can you confirm the start and end dates of the candidate's employment at your company? ” “What was the candidate's job title? Can you briefly explain some of their responsibilities in the role?”

How do you ask a teacher to be a reference?

Make a formal request of your professor (by email or by appointment), asking if he or she would be willing to write a letter or fill out a form on your behalf. Explain the purpose of the recommendation and why you have chosen the professor. Give the professor time to consider your request.

Amira Khan
Author
Amira Khan
Amira Khan is a philosopher and scholar of religion with a Ph.D. in philosophy and theology. Amira's expertise includes the history of philosophy and religion, ethics, and the philosophy of science. She is passionate about helping readers navigate complex philosophical and religious concepts in a clear and accessible way.